Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Minister, Labor’s Regional Cuts Are Nothing to be ‘Proud’ of

Minister was proud in cutting the Regional Growth Fund.

By Portal Admin - 8th June 2019 - Back to News

Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes proclaims she’s "very proud" of Labor’s latest State Budget, despite it having no plan and no money for Regional Victoria.

Ms Symes told State Parliament today she’s "very proud of the Budget we delivered yesterday for Regional Victoria", claiming it includes $2.6 billion for Regional Victoria.

But Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh said it was a sneaky attempt from Labor to bundle up a list of spending from other departments.

"If Labor truly cared about "delivering for all Victorians" it wouldn’t have cut the Regional Growth Fund or slashed RDV’s base funding," Mr Walsh said.

"Is the Minister ‘proud’ of cutting the Regional Growth Fund, which delivered a $1 billion boost to country communities and encouraged businesses – and jobs – to relocate out of Melbourne?

"Is she proud of ripping $100 million out of RDV, which will cause job losses in regional areas?

"What about Labor’s failure to fund desperately-needed new long-haul trains for the Warrnambool, Swan Hill, North East and Bairnsdale lines?

"And is the Minister proud that Labor’s Budget robs country communities to prop up billions of dollars of cost blowouts on metro projects?

"Daniel Andrews likes to talk up Labor’s infrastructure spend, but he’s spending less than 4 per cent of the total road and rail budget in regional Victoria."

The RGF was dedicated to supporting regional initiatives and projects, including supporting businesses to relocate to Regional Victoria from Melbourne and helping community groups and councils improve local assets.

"Labor’s decision to axe this successful program is nothing to be proud of," Mr Walsh said.

Ms Symes was also forced into an embarrassing backflip today, after Monday’s Budget axed funding for Victoria’s Regional Community Leadership Programs.

Less than 24 hours later, and after pressure from VRCLPs, the Minister now says funding has been extended for a further 12 months.

Mr Walsh said these programs were important to helping develop leaders in regional communities and must be given certainty.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
  Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
  Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
  Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.